Three places to get fall-inspired flavors in Las Cruces

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With autumn in full swing, many of us are looking to achieve that special fall feeling with all the flavors and smells associated with the season, like cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin spice.

To help you start the season right, here are three local eateries serving up fall-themed menu items.

Thanksgiving in Mesilla

Where to find it: Cafe de Mesilla, 2190 Avenida de Mesilla

When: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday - Monday

Café de Mesilla has a year-round item on their lunch menu, but with the holidays around the corner, the Thanksgiving in Mesilla is a great way to kick off the season. Inside the sandwich, there is sliced turkey, stuffing and bacon. Cranberry sauce can be seen seeping through the bread and onto the turkey. The juicy turkey and crisp bacon are a great combination. The stuffing adds a bit of heartiness to the sandwich. However, the star of this meal is the cranberry sauce, the sweet semi-tart sauce provides a great contrast to the meal and really brings to mind the taste of the holidays all year round.

Oktoberfest is now on tap at Bosque Brewing Company in Las Cruces. Debuting the first of October, this classic Marzen beer was brewed with all German malts and hops. Its vibrant golden color fits with the change of the season. Right away, the malty sweetness hits your taste buds, but is followed by a slight bite from the hops. This lager makes for a great transition into fall that is easy to drink at just 5.2 percent ABV (alcohol by volume). Stop by Bosque to enjoy a glass as the weather cools. Available in 16-ounce and 20-ounce pours.

Pumpkin Pie Caliche and Pumpkin Sundae

It wouldn’t be fall without the flavor of pumpkin spice. Caliche’s Frozen Custard kicked off October with two pumpkin treats: the Pumpkin Pie Caliche and the Pumpkin Sundae.

The Pumpkin Pie Caliche is made with vanilla custard with a slice of pumpkin pie blended in, whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg on top. If you're looking for a more subtle pumpkin spice flavor, this item is for you. Though the pie is blended into the custard, the taste isn't overpowering. When you do bite into a chunk of pie, the flavors of pumpkin spice, clove and nutmeg mingle well with the vanilla custard.

Bookmarked with two scoops of vanilla custard, the Pumpkin Sundae comes with a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream and a cherry. Staying true to its Caliche roots, the simple vanilla custard on the side, adds a creamy element to the treat. The nutmeg adds just the right touch of fall flavor. When I was first handed the sundae, the nutmeg scent filled up my car right away heightening the anticipation. The pie was slightly frozen and I let it thaw a little before enjoying the slice.

For either of these treats, tell Caliche's staff if you prefer not to have nutmeg on the caliche or sundae when ordering.

Cost: The Pumpkin Pie Caliche is $5.82 after tax and the Pumpkin Sundae is $5.09 after tax.

• Let The Eat Cake, 1001 E. University Ave., will offer various fall-themed flavored cakes and cupcakes throughout the season. Beginning this week, a few of the bakery's offerings will include the Pumpkin Chai vegan cupcake (regular size, $4.35), the Candy Apple gluten-free cupcake (mini, $2.45) and the Orange Cranberry gluten-free cupcake (mini, $2.30). Cupcake menus change about every two weeks. Info: 575-680-5998, facebook.com/StephaniesLetThemEatCake